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Maximum Pace

This is one of the Official TCC "Hall of Fame" climbs.O-Toge 16km, with an average of 8% - There's one gate at the 8km mark, where you have to carry your bike around, but other than that, there are no other stops or turns. So far, the official Hall of Fame times are: Clay: 54min Deej: 1hr, 1min Serguei: 1hr, 6min

For those who want to keep riding afterward, there are plenty of options including Matsuhime-toge, Sasago-toge, etc. For those catching the train (myself included), the "ＪＲホリデー快速河口湖1号" leaves Shinjuku station at 8:14, and arrives at Otsuki at 9:34. There are coin-lockers at the station for those carrying backpacks. We'll roll out at 10:00.

The Crank Engine

Maximum Pace

Man, I really want to do this. Sorry for being so quiet lately -- I've been in the U.S., and on top of that have spent two weeks battling the mumps. Guess the vaccinations didn't work.

Anyway, the upshot is that I'm in no shape for a TT just yet. Two months ago, and I'm pretty sure I could have shattered my previous time (thanks in no small part to a little experimenting with creatine).

But I'm on the comeback road, and hope to be joining you guys soon (after a little solo Jedi training, of course.)

Maximum Pace

This would be a good trial for the Super HC (Toyo Tire turnpike) event next weekend ... but unless someone has recent info on the road condition I would not recommend continuing over the pass and down the back ("ura" or North) side forest road and continuing on to Matsuhime. Last time I climbed up that side (2010) it had more fallen rocks and gravel than I had remembered, plus there might be some new surprises after this week's typhoon.

Maximum Pace

I'm not sure about Saturday, but will get there if I can. Everyone will need to be extra careful on the descent not to hit me coming around one of those corners as I climb. At least the weather should be a bit cooler and not so energy-sapping.

Maximum Pace

Hi there - so where is the general meet up point? Otsuki? Tachikawa? Time?

Still following this plan? : For those catching the train (myself included), the "ＪＲホリデー快速河口湖1号" leaves Shinjuku station at 8:14, and arrives at Otsuki at 9:34. There are coin-lockers at the station for those carrying backpacks. We'll roll out at 10:00.

Maximum Pace

Hi there - so where is the general meet up point? Otsuki? Tachikawa? Time? Still following this plan? : For those catching the train (myself included), the "ＪＲホリデー快速河口湖1号" leaves Shinjuku station at 8:14, and arrives at Otsuki at 9:34. There are coin-lockers at the station for those carrying backpacks. We'll roll out at 10:00. Thanks!

Hey Tim, The train above, leaving Shinjuku at 8:14, is the best bet. We'll be meeting at Otsuki, when the train arrives, at 9:34. The train Thomas will be on connects with this train at Tachikawa, meaning we'll all be on the same train as it arrives in Otsuki. We should all be ready to roll out a little before 10am.

Warm-up: It's a 4km ride to the start of the climb. That's long enough for me, but if you need longer, you can head up Rte.20 for another few kilometers, towards Sasago-tunnel, and then turn around and come back when you're ready.

Maximum Pace

Hey Tim, The train above, leaving Shinjuku at 8:14, is the best bet. We'll be meeting at Otsuki, when the train arrives, at 9:34. The train Thomas will be on connects with this train at Tachikawa, meaning we'll all be on the same train as it arrives in Otsuki. We should all be ready to roll out a little before 10am.

Warm-up: It's a 4km ride to the start of the climb. That's long enough for me, but if you need longer, you can head up Rte.20 for another few kilometers, towards Sasago-tunnel, and then turn around and come back when you're ready.

Speeding Up

Thomas/Fumiki, I wanted to join you on the way out tomorrow, and thought there was a good possibility of being able to go, but it seems it wasn't meant to be. I hope you have fun and take pics/give a nice write up.

Maximum Pace

Made it home! Sorry I had to bail on the Kazahari leg, I was just dreading the descent being cold after a soaking wet (sweat) climb. My Jersey choice was great for autumn riding - but the windstopper front meant I became an internal fountain! Anyway - my Garmin stats are here: